Hi, I am looking for diffirent ideas to start up my landscaping business.

1. how to get customer base fast without starving.
2. what types of jobs should I be doing besides mowing to bring in a
a respectable cash flow.
3. do I need any certifications or are any recomended.
4 how do I bid a job...(I know I sound pathetic over here)
5. what is a key target audience?...elderly?
6. do you have any tips on removal of leaves and shrubs...my friend
said it was a huge waist of time to haul leaves away to the dump..
7. anything else that you think is important to know...plz say it.

I have a silent partner that is going to fund me and I have six months to get this started...so the sooner you guys advise me, the better, Thanx a lot!!